About Loughborough Grammar School (LGS)
Loughborough Grammar School (LGS) is a boys independent day school in Leicestershire & East Midlands. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Loughborough Grammar School (LGS) is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need. Ranked #338 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 10-15%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Loughborough Grammar School (LGS)
Loughborough Grammar School (LGS) Admissions Criteria
Loughborough Grammar School (LGS) is a boys independent day school in Leicestershire & East Midlands. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at Loughborough Grammar School (LGS) to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at Loughborough Grammar School (LGS). Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — Entrance assessment: Your child will sit Loughborough Grammar School (LGS)'s own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The assessment is designed by the school's academic staff to identify both current ability and future academic potential.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about his interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether him child has been offered a place at Loughborough Grammar School (LGS).
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at Loughborough Grammar School (LGS). Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Loughborough Grammar School (LGS) Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Loughborough Grammar School (LGS).
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Loughborough Grammar School (LGS) 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Loughborough Grammar School (LGS)
Step 1 — Visit Loughborough Grammar School in Leicestershire
Visit Loughborough Grammar School in Leicestershire (part of Loughborough Schools Foundation)
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the school's admissions portal
Step 3 — Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Step 4 — The school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your son's current school
Step 5 — Your son sits the 11+ entrance assessment at Loughborough
Your son sits the 11+ entrance assessment at Loughborough Grammar
Step 6 — Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Step 7 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated
Step 8 — On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
Independent Subjects Tested at Loughborough Grammar School (LGS)
Scholarships & Bursaries at Loughborough Grammar School (LGS)
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced alongside offers
Additional notes: Loughborough Grammar School (LGS) is an independent boys' day school in Loughborough, Leicestershire (founded 1495). Part of Loughborough Schools Foundation. Times rank #338.
Academic Results at Loughborough Grammar School (LGS)
Loughborough Grammar School is a long-established independent boys' school with a strong record of academic results and university progression.
- Academic outcomes: consistently strong GCSE and A-Level results, with many pupils achieving top grades.
- Destinations: leavers progress to leading universities, including Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions, across a wide range of subjects.
- Support: a range of academic and other scholarships, together with means-tested bursaries, helps widen access.
The school publishes its latest results each summer; confirm current figures on its website.
Catchment Area for Loughborough Grammar School (LGS)
As an independent school, Loughborough Grammar School has no fixed catchment area — places are offered on the basis of the entrance assessment rather than where a family lives.
- Where pupils come from: the school draws families from Loughborough, across Leicestershire and the wider East Midlands.
- Transport: an extensive school-coach network and good rail links serve a wide catchment.
Pastoral Care & Co-curricular Life at Loughborough Grammar School (LGS)
Loughborough Grammar School offers more than 500 years of boys' education within the wider, co-educational Loughborough Schools Foundation campus, with strong pastoral care and a broad co-curricular programme.
- Pastoral care: a house and tutor system supports each boy's wellbeing and progress; day and boarding places are available.
- Co-curricular: a wide range of sport, music, drama, CCF and Duke of Edinburgh activities, shared with the neighbouring schools.
- Access: scholarships and means-tested bursaries help support families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Loughborough Grammar School a state grammar school?
No. Despite its name, it is an independent (fee-paying) boys' day and boarding school; entry is by the school's own assessment rather than the state 11-plus.
What does the entrance exam involve?
Boys applying for Year 7 sit the school's own 60-minute entrance examination in English and Mathematics (based on Key Stage 2 content), followed by an interview, with a reference from the current school.
How do I apply?
Applications are made through the Loughborough Schools Foundation admissions process; the school also welcomes enquiries about entry at other points in the year.
Are scholarships and bursaries available?
Yes — the school offers scholarships and means-tested bursaries; details are on its website.
Independent Practice Papers for Loughborough Grammar School (LGS)
Loughborough Grammar School (LGS) uses School's own bespoke 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Loughborough Grammar School (LGS) 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.